LG Electronics USA received EPA’s Gold Tier Award, a top-level recognition in the agency’s Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Electronic Challenge, for leadership in responsible electronics recycling.
The agency's honor specifically addresses the tech company’s efforts to increase the amount of used electronics collected for reuse and recycling with a goal of sending 100% of used electronics to certified third-party recyclers and sharing electronic management practices publicly.
“By using third-party certified recyclers, we’re proud to help drive the use of environmentally protective practices,” says William Cho, CEO of LG Electronics USA. “LG’s leadership in the SMM Challenge reflects our strong commitment to building a robust market for electronic recycling in the U.S.”
Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management, adds: “The successful practices spearheaded by LG and other Challenge Participants are inspiring examples of how other manufacturers, retailers and brand owners throughout various industries can make their products more sustainable throughout their lifecycles."
The award also recognizes LG’s collection and responsible recycling of over 24,000 tons of used electronics instead of sending them to landfills, preventing the release of more than 63,714 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the company also encourages consumers to replace recycled electronics with more energy efficient ENERGY STAR certified products.
“The positive environmental impact of LG’s responsible recycling is equal to taking 12,209 passenger cars off the road for a year or saving enough electricity to power 8,535 U.S. homes for a year,” says Stanislaus. “I am proud to recognize LG, a true leader in the industry, for creating innovative ways to meld environmental responsibilities with sound business practices.”
